Our Team

Mary Ann Rose - President & CEO
Mary Ann Rose is the founder and President of Tamar Productions, Inc., a full service Event and Destination Management Company specializing in corporate and non-profit meetings and events nationwide. Listed in Crain's Chicago Business as one of the "Top 25 Women-Run Businesses" in Chicago, Ms. Rose was also honored by the National Association of Women Business Owners as one of the "Top 25" Women Run Businesses. Under Mary Ann's leadership,Tamar Productions received national recognition with the highest awards of achievement in themed events by Special Event Magazine and has consistently been listed as one of the "Top 50" special event companies worldwide. Ms. Rose was named a "Woman of Vision" by Eversight Illinois, and awarded the president's award by Face the Future Foundation for her contribution to children with cranial facial anomalies.
In addition to having published articles in Successful Woman Magazine and Meeting Planners Alert, Rose served on the Executive Board of Directors and was Chair-Elect for the Chicago Convention and Tourism Bureau. Ms Rose is a past chairman of the Magnificent Mile Association, and continues to serve on the executive board and administrtive committee. In 2005, due to corporate demand for unique gift items, Ms. Rose opened Mary Mary, a gift boutique located in Tamar Productions 131-year old brownstone in the River North area. She is currently the co-founder of the Chicago Police Foundation where she volunteers her time as their full-time Executive Director.

Heinz Kern - Vice President
Heinz Kern began his career in Europe, graduating first in his class at Dusseldorf’s prestigious Hotel Fachschule. As a young chef, he honed his culinary skills at the most famous hotels in the world, including the George V in Paris, the Palace in St. Moritz and The Savoy in London. Upon arrival in the United States, Heinz joined the New York Hilton and soon after was promoted to the Conrad Hilton in Chicago. He then went on to work in the nation’s capital. After working for some time in Las Vegas for Hilton, Mr. Kern joined Hyatt Hotels.

As General Manager, he managed several hotels in the United States, including the Park Hyatt on Michigan Avenue. As Vice President of Food and Beverage for Hyatt Corporation, Mr. Kern redesigned Hyatt’s food concept, creating new restaurants nationwide.

Mr. Kern has been featured in several trade publications, including Gastronomique, Restaurant News, as well as Lodging Hospitality. He has lectured at various hotel schools, including Cornell University, and remains on the cutting edge of food trends through his membership with the Confrerie de la Chaine des Rostisseurs the oldest gourmet society in the world where he rose to the high rank of Baille for the Chicago chapter.

In May of 1995, Heinz Kern fulfilled a lifelong dream and opened his own restaurant; Palette’s in Chicago. After eight successful years with Palette’s, Heinz rejoined the corporate world as Vice President for Tamar Productions.

Brad Rahal - Event Producer
Brad is a Lake Forest College honors graduate . For the last 11 years Brad has served in multiple capacities for Tamar Productions in marketing for Mary Mary Gifts and as a creative developer for unique and exciting themes for Tamar's corporate clients. Most recently he has served as the lead event coordinator for The Chicago's First Lady Cruise Line and the Magnificent Mile Lights Festival.

History

Founded by President & CEO Mary Ann Rose in 1976, Tamar Productions, Inc. is an Illinois licensed and bonded full service Event and Destination Management Company specializing in meetings and events of all sizes. Tamar is a Women’s Business Enterprise certified nationwide and by the city of Chicago. For over forty years, Tamar Productions has established a national reputation with the country’s leading corporations and associations, and has created a niche in the marketplace as an innovator for themed events and entertainment. Listed in Crain's Chicago Business as one of the “Top 25 Women-Run Businesses” in Chicago, Tamar has also received national recognition with top awards for achievement in themed events by Special Event Magazine. Tamar’s professional and personal approach, along with a healthy respect for client budget, is a hallmark.

In 2004, due to corporate demand for unique gift items, Ms. Rose successfully opened Mary Mary, a gift boutique located in Tamar Productions' 131 year old brown stone just minutes from Chicago's Magnificent Mile.

For more information about Mary Mary, please visit our website at www.marymarygifts.com.

Awards

2022 Best Of Chicago
Chicago Police Foundation, Non- Profit Organization
2020 N.I.C.E. Award Nominee
Best Fundraising/Non-Profit Event
2019 Fifty Top Event Companies
Special Events Magazine
2018 Fifty Top Event Companies
Special Events Magazine
2017 N.I.C.E. Award Nominee
Best Fundraising/Non-Profit Event
Best Corporate Event
2017 Fifty Top Event Companies
Special Events Magazine
2017 Special Event Gala Award Nominee
Best Achievement in Logistics
2016 Fifty Top Event Companies
Special Events Magazine
2015 Fifty Top Event Companies
Special Events Magazine
2014 Fifty Top Event Companies
Special Events Magazine

2011 N.I.C.E. Award Winner

Best Theme Decor
Total Decor Budget: $20,000 to $50,000
2010 Special Event Gala Award Nominee
Best Decor
Total Decor Budget: $20,000 to $49,999
2010 Fifty Top Event Companies
Special Events Magazine
2009 and 2010 Event Style Award Nominee
BizBash Chicago
Best Corporate or Association Event Concept
Budget Under $50,000
Best Event Produced for a Corporation or Association
Special Events Magazine
Best Event Coordinated with a Hotel Catering Department
Special Events Magazine
Most Creative Buffet Design
Special Events Magazine
Chicago's Top 25 Women-Run Businesses
Crain's Chicago Business
Top 25 Women Business Owners
National Association of Women Business Owners
Spotlight Awards finalist for Samaritan Service for the Community
Event Solutions Magazine
"Spirit of Love" Award
Little City Foundation

Organizations

International Live Events Association
Choose Chicago
Magnificent Mile Association - Former Chairman of the Board
Ronald McDonald House Charities
American Federation of Musicians
American Federation of Television and Radio Artists
Screen Actors Guild
Actors Equity
Face The Future Foundation
Eversight
Chicago Police Foundation - Executive Director

706 North Dearborn Street, Chicago, IL 60654 - Phone: (773) 880-1000 - maryann@tamarproductionsinc.com